Withernsea Lighthouse
The Famous Lighthouse in the Middle of Town
Posted on 7th August 2026
When you think of a lighthouse, you probably imagine a lonely tower perched on a jagged cliff, miles away from civilization. Withernsea Lighthouse is delightfully different.
Standing tall in the middle of a residential street, it’s one of the few lighthouses in the UK that is completely surrounded by a town. Originally built in 1894 to guide vessels clear of the treacherous Holderness coast, the landmark sits roughly a quarter of a mile back from the sea after the town grew around it. Today, it serves as a fascinating museum, viewpoint, and heritage hub for the East Yorkshire coast.
Highlights / What to See 🗼
There is plenty to explore inside and around this unique inland beacon:
- Conquer the 144-Step Climb: Head up the spiral staircase to the lantern gallery at the top for panoramic views across the town, the Holderness countryside, and out over the North Sea. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Humber Bridge!
- Tribute to Kay Kendall: The ground floor houses a dedicated museum celebrating 1950s film star Kay Kendall, who was born in Withernsea, offering a touch of classic Hollywood glamour in a seaside setting.
- RNLI & Maritime History Exhibits: Discover the brave stories of the local lifeboat crews and explore how the lighthouse operated before being decommissioned in 1976.
- Seasonal Art & Local Heritage Displays: Ground-floor exhibition rooms host rotating local historical displays, artwork, and coastal heritage exhibits throughout the open season.
- Tea Garden & Sculpture Trail: Relax in the garden after your climb with a refreshment from the tearoom. Younger visitors can join in on a fun garden treasure hunt to spot model animals and hidden sculptures.
Lighthouse Garden Cafe & Tea Room ☕
Serving hot and cold drinks, cakes, light snacks, and ice creams. Outdoor seating is situated in the peaceful lighthouse gardens, providing a pleasant spot to rest before or after climbing the tower.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential details for planning your trip to Withernsea Lighthouse:
Admission Cost
Adults: £5.50 | Children: £4.50 | Under 5s: Free.
Tickets can be purchased on entry at the ground-floor reception desk.
Seasonal Opening Hours
Early Season (Apr – Mid June): Weekends only.
Peak Season (Mid June – Mid Sept): Open Daily.
Late Season (Mid Sept – Oct): Weekends only.
Dog Policy
Dogs are permitted in the outdoor tearoom garden area on leads (assistance dogs permitted inside museum buildings).
Facilities
Garden cafe, Kay Kendall exhibition, RNLI gallery, gift shop, outdoor garden, children's treasure hunt, and toilets.
Accessibility & Fitness
Climbing the tower requires moderate fitness to navigate 144 steps. Ground-floor museum exhibits, tea room, and garden remain step-free and accessible.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Withernsea Lighthouse Museum, 70 Hull Road, Withernsea, East Yorkshire, HU19 2DY
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located on Hull Road (A1033) as you enter Withernsea. Free on-street parking is available along Hull Road and surrounding residential streets near the lighthouse.
🚌 By Bus / Public Transport
Frequent East Yorkshire bus routes (including the 75 and 103/104 services from Hull Paragon Interchange) stop right near the lighthouse on Hull Road.
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